New Federal Courthouse Near Completion

Local artist is behind some of the art featured in and around building

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A construction worker finalizes some of the landscaping that is part of the new Federal Courthouse design.

A surprising feature has sprouted up at the construction site of the new federal courthouse downtown.

As the project nears its completion date, landscape architects began this week planting a unique hedge along the walkway leading to the 16-story building along Broadway Avenue.

Our media partners at the Voice of San Diego have chronicled the project and public art featured in the new courthouse.

The design of the hedge and a large acrylic prism inside the building is by local artist Robert Irwin, whose work can be viewed around Southern California.

Hedges Sprout From Courthouse Steps

Footage of the new Federal Courthouse as it nears completion after years of construction.

(Published Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2012)

Irwin is also the mind behind the famed blue-violet plastic fencing in the eucalyptus groves of UCSD.

The 33-foot prism will be installed inside the courthouse after spending years inside a university basement, VOSD reporter Kelly Bennett reports.

The new U.S. Courthouse promises to be a landmark in the San Diego skyline. Construction on the $300 million project began in April 2006, when construction crews imploded the 90-year-old Hotel San Diego. It will hold six district courtrooms and 12 chambers.

Already, passers-by can see the design of the courthouse with its many high-ceiling windows to symbolize transparency, architects say.